Al Ahli agree 17m Saudi riyal deal to sign Rady Al-Otaibi from Al Ettifaq

Al Ahli Saudi FC have agreed a deal with Al Ettifaq to sign right-back Rady Al-Otaibi for 17m Saudi riyal, with the transfer now awaiting the completion of final formalities.

The agreement represents Al Ahli’s first major move to address uncertainty in the right-back position ahead of the new season. The club are seeking to strengthen their options on that side of the defence, particularly because of the questions surrounding Ali Majrashi.

Majrashi’s absence from Al Ahli’s overseas training camp has caused considerable speculation in recent days, increasing the need for the Saudi club to secure another option in the position.

Negotiations between Al Ahli and Al Ettifaq have concluded with an agreement over the financial and contractual terms of the transfer. Al Ettifaq’s management have accepted the 17m Saudi riyal fee for the player’s contract.

Sources say most of the details of the move have already been settled between the two clubs. The remaining work involves completing the final procedures with Al-Otaibi before the transfer can be officially announced.

Once those steps are completed, the defender is expected to join Al Ahli’s preparations for the upcoming campaign. The club view the deal as an important addition to their squad and believe Al-Otaibi can provide a reliable solution at right-back.

Al-Otaibi’s readiness and experience in the Roshn Saudi League are regarded by Al Ahli’s management as key factors behind the decision to pursue him. He is expected to become one of the options available to the coaching staff as the team prepares for the new season.

The move also reflects Al Ahli’s wider intention to begin the campaign with a complete squad capable of competing across all competitions. The club are working to ensure they have sufficient depth in every position, with the right side of defence identified as an area requiring reinforcement.

Although the transfer has not yet been formally announced, the agreement with Al Ettifaq means the deal is close to completion. The final player-related procedures are now the only stage standing between Al-Otaibi and an official move to Al Ahli.

The signing would give Al Ahli an additional option at right-back at a time when Majrashi’s situation remains unclear. His absence from the club’s overseas camp has been the main source of the recent discussion around the position, while the proposed arrival of Al-Otaibi would provide the coaching staff with greater choice before the season begins.

Al Ahli’s agreement with Al Ettifaq therefore offers an immediate response to the uncertainty, while also supporting the club’s ambition to enter the new campaign with a squad built to challenge for all available trophies.